Detectives from the South Eastern Region's Taskforce Maxima and members of the Organised Crime Gangs Group with the assistance of the Firearm and Cannabis Team (FACT) have charged two men following investigations into a large number of 3D-printed handguns.
On Saturday, 28 March, police intercepted a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross at Surfers Paradise where a search uncovered firearms inside a black plastic container in the vehicle's boot.
The driver, a 43-year-old West End man, and a second person, a 39-year-old man from Kangaroo Point were arrested and taken to Southport Watchhouse.
The plastic container was searched where 34 3D printed 'Glock' style firearms, 800 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a quantity of handgun magazines, a quantity of rifle magazines, a quantity of plastic rifle trigger guard assemblies and a hard drive containing blueprints for printing 3D firearms, were located..
Search warrants were carried out on properties at West End and Kangaroo Point as part of ongoing investigations.
Detective Acting Inspector Adrian Sala said the rise in 3D printing technology to create dangerous and unlawful firearms is concerning, and we will continue to run intelligence-driven operations to ensure these weapons remain off our streets.
"Detectives are committed to disrupting and taking action against the possession and supply of unlawful firearms to make our community safer.
"We urge anyone with information about these weapons and manufacturing equipment to contact police."
The men have been charged with a range of offences including supply Category H Firearm, possess Category H Firearm, possess and distribution of blueprint material for manufacture of firearms, unlawful possession of weapons 10 or more weapons being category D/E/H/R and short firearm possessed in public, possess dangerous drugs.
Both have been refused police bail to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court today, 30 March.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
